Hinduja group's Gopichand Hinduja, Britain's top billionaire, dies at 85

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indian-origin billionaire and Hinduja Group chairman Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja has passed away at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita. His death was announced by British MP Rami Ranger on Tuesday. Rami Ranger described Gopichand Hinduja as a "very humble, generous and loyal friend," saying his death marks the end of an era.

He assumed the position of Chairman in 2023 after the death of his elder brother Srichand Hinduja. In the same year, Gopichand Hinduja and the Hinduja family retained their position as Britain's richest people in the Sunday Times Rich List. He began his career in 1959 with the Hinduja Group in Mumbai. Gopichand P. Hinduja was the second of four brothers. His elder brother, Srichand Hinduja, passed away in 2023. After Gopichand, Prakash P. Hinduja and Ashok P. Hinduja are alive. Gopichand Hinduja's wife is Sunita Hinduja. They have two sons and a daughter. The sons' names are Sanjay and Dheeraj, and the daughter's name is Rita.

The acquisition of Gulf Oil by the Hinduja Group in 1984 was his decision. Subsequently, in 1987, he bought the crisis-hit Ashok Leyland. Today, this event is considered one of India's biggest corporate success stories. Under his leadership, the company also established its foothold in sectors such as power and infrastructure. Gopichand Hinduja graduated from Jai Hind College, Mumbai. He then earned a doctorate in law from the University of Westminster and a doctorate in economics from Richmond College, London. Born in India in 1940, Gopichand Hinduja was listed as the richest person in Britain's 'Sunday Times Rich List' for seven consecutive years.

About the Hinduja Group:

Although the Hinduja family lives in London, the company's headquarters are still in Mumbai. The Hinduja Group operates in banking, finance, energy, media, trucks, lubricants, and cable television. The group employs over 200,000 people. The company was founded in 1919 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja. The company's foundation was laid in Sindh, which is now in Pakistan.